Coffee With The Lord

Perhaps you’re a part of a congregation being torn apart by conflict.  There are accusations and counter accusations.  Bitterness fills the air.  Guests who visit the church, quickly sense the atmosphere of conflict, and then leave.  No one is coming to Christ and experiencing salvation.  Young people and children are caught in the middle of the fights.  Genuine disciple-making is “stalled out!”  It seems like it’s every person for themselves… I could go on…

What to do in a situation like that?!!

Well, I read a wonderful passage this morning that provides some wonderful “apostolic help”!!!  The Apostle Paul wrote these words to some churches that were being torn apart by conflict… (read the context carefully and you’ll see Paul’s emphasis on unity! 🙂  Here’s his advice…

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received!  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace…” (Ephesians 4.1-3)

Then, he goes on in the verses that follow, if I might paraphrase… “Recognize, affirm and focus on what you have in common (rather than the things that divide you) – vss. 4-6! 

He encourages each of their gifted leaders to use their gifts “so that the body of Christ might be built up until together they reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming more and more mature, until they attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (i.e. more and more like Jesus – personally and collectively).  (Verses 11-16).

Wow!!  What incredible apostolic pastoral advice!!

Listen!!  I don’t know if conflict characterizes the congregation that you’re a part of, BUT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE THERE!  You can be an agent God uses in your congregation to help bring reconciliation, healing and spiritual health.  THE LORD WANTS EVERY CONGREGATION TO BE “THE BODY OF CHRIST” IN THEIR COMMUNITY … TO BE HIS HANDS, HIS FEET, HIS VOICE, HIS HEALING PRESENCE THERE, REPRESENTING HIM WITHOUT DISTORTION IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Anyone who has ever had to do much writing knows what it is like to have a reality, concept, or idea so grand that it is difficult to put into words. You search your vocabulary bank for the right words, you rummage around in the thesaurus, and you even visit with trusted colleagues about phraseology. The quest becomes how do you do the concept justice?

That is the challenge Paul faced I believe in Ephesians 3:20-21! His only recourse? Aided by the Spirit of God he piles up superlatives – words, phrases, and images that attempt to describe the spiritual bounty to be found “in Christ!” And the result is one of the most majestic, grand, awe-inspiring expressions of praise in all the Bible!

Here it is from the English Standard Version of the Bible…

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV)

Three key issues…

1. What God is able to do…

“God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!” Our thoughts include more than we dare ask. Our dreams always exceed the resources. But here that concept is turned on its head. Our imagination – our dreams cannot exceed the eternal, almighty God’s provision “in Christ!” He is able to do more!

2. How God is able to do it…

God is able to accomplish all of this “According to His power that is at work within us.” The same power that Paul says resurrected Jesus from the dead, that resulted in His ascension into heaven, that led to Christ’s exaltation to the Father’s right hand… and the very same power by which he rules and sustains everything, everywhere (1:19-22; Colossians 1:15-18)! Incredible power – cosmic power – is at work within the humblest believer for everyday living “in Christ!”

3. To God be the glory!!!

Have you discovered Jesus? Have you experienced life abundant “in Christ?” Have you grasped the possibilities of what God is able to do in your life personally? Have you begun to imagine the mighty things God is able to do within and through your church by the power of the Holy Spirit! Let it be said again with inspired emphasis – “HE IS ABLE!!!”

How many times have I relived the various aspects of the story found in Luke 8.22-25 in the Bible?! …

“One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’ So, they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.’”

So, here’s my story that is in so many ways similar…

At what I believed to be His direction, I was going places, doing things – my “life-boat” was rocking along quietly, gently… things seemed to be going alright …

Then suddenly, something went terribly wrong!! A life-squall swept down upon me!! I was in great danger!! If things didn’t change – if help didn’t come, I thought I’d perish!! …And I panicked!!

I cried out to Jesus!! Lord help me!! I’m going to perish!!

What happened?! He heard!! He helped!! He acted and rescued!! Then I believe I heard him ask the probing question… “Where is your faith?”

So what is the great challenge I face in life’s storms? … Will I trust Him? Will I depend on Him? Will I recognize that with Him in my life…NOTHING is out of control!!

Gotta tell you, He’s ok with me coming to Him with my concerns!!! How do I know? The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERY SITUATION, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4.6-7 NIV)

Yes, I’ve experienced the various aspects of this miracle story in my life personally many times!! And each time, I’m amazed… “Who is this?! He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”